Merton Council says it has not banned staff from using the term ‘mum and dad’.

The authority has made the clarification after a guide produced for authority staff became public.

It suggests using the term “caregiver” to describe parents and also details other language ideas for other subjects.

Chief Executive, Hannah Doody says: “I want to be really clear: the council has not banned the use of the term ‘mum and dad’.

“The guide contains tips and suggestions on how to communicate with understanding and without making assumptions.

“These are not policies or instructions.

“We regularly review all our guides and policies and intend to review this guide to ensure it cannot be further misunderstood or misrepresented.”