BOY-GIRL sporting teams, neutral uniforms and mixed toilets and change rooms will all be promoted under a plan to downplay gender in state schools.

Schools will be required to consider the needs of homosexual, transgender and intersex students in a bid to further protect vulnerable children from discrimination and bullying.

Schools will also need to consider sleeping arrangements at camps and the timing of physical education classes to minimise issues around clothing changes.

The policy, which is expected to be released next month, has been backed by Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek.

Mr Langbroek said: "Self-identity can be very challenging for young people, particularly for our most vulnerable students."

Under the draft policy, schools will be encouraged to have mixed gender sporting teams and discuss with the student and parents options for toilets and change rooms, including access to any gender-neutral facilities.

"Schools may consider flexible timings around changing clothes such as scheduling physical education classes at the beginning or end of a school day to reduce the changing of clothes that is required," the draft policy posted online states.

Students should be called by their preferred name and staff should "communicate and actively encourage the use of (a) student's preferred gender pronoun with school staff''.

The department would not confirm on Monday night whether all schools would have to abide by statements in the policy even if they were not aware of transgender or intersex students.

Earlier this year the state sector made national headlines after one school told a transgender girl she should only use a disabled toilet.

READ MORE: School backflips over transgender child's use of toilet

Emma, 9, was born a boy but has fought successfully for the right to be recognised as a girl. Mum Megan Hayes has welcomed the transgender policy proposals.

"If Emma has helped bring this about, good for her,'' the Caboolture mum said. "I think because we did kick and scream, Education Queensland had to do something about it.''

Emma said she wanted to be a girl at five and lived as a girl at home for two years, while going to school as a boy.

When Mrs Hayes re-enrolled "Ronan'' as "Emma'' at the school for 2013, she had to sign an agreement that Emma would only use the disabled toilet and not compete in the girls' sport teams.

- additional reporting by Daryl Passmore

media_camera Emma Hayes was born a boy but said she wanted to be a girl from age five. Pic Mark Calleja

The department backflipped after Mrs Hayes threatened to lodge a gender identity discrimination complaint.

The new policy states: "It is important to note that it is not appropriate to direct students to use disabled toilets as a suitable alternative".

Education Queensland deputy director-general Patrea Walton said this would be the first policy to provide school staff "with practical information to support the respectful treatment, and inclusion of all students including same-sex attracted, transgender or intersex students.''

"Schools will be provided with this policy statement after a minor review,'' Ms Walton said.

Queensland Teachers' Union president Kevin Bates said the latest policy was "a one-stop-shop" for teachers that would help make schools safe for all students.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays national spokeswoman Shelley Argent said it would "save an awful lot of pain for youngsters and parents and makes it easier for these children to fit into society''.

P&Cs Queensland chief executive officer Peter Levett said most parents would be happy with the policy.