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For one nursery in Hertfordshire aromatherapy and belly dancing are all part of a day's activities and there is even pipe music to help the young ones get to sleep.

Music and dancing help development

The nursery believes in stimulating all the senses, owner Angela Spencer says it gives them stability, comfort and security.

They're a lot more at ease with themselves, a lot less stressed and its much more relaxing for them, and in turn they are happy to express themselves.

The nursery has music in every room. For the toddlers - light classics to soothe them through lunch.

It's part of a holistic approach that extends from the food to the decor. And that includes the functional rooms.

Colour consultant June McCleod designed the whole interior including green for the nappy changing room: "I chose the apple green because it supports the sterile environment for the staff - they'll never forget to wash their hands."

Lilac is also used. "When the children are looking up they feel very calm within themselves so nappy changing becomes a pleasurable experience."

Learning through experience - whether it's belly dancing or listening to music is the key. The nursery says it creates an atmosphere which produces happier children.

Claire Mitchell's son Bailey has been going to the nursery for two years. He's due to start school in a few weeks: "I do believe that the colours have brought out the calmness in Bailey."

"If you walk into a classroom of 40 children it's so calm... 40 two to four year olds running around - it's just amazing to see how calm and relaxed the children are."

Ambient music, and colour therapy might sound a bit new age - but there's no doubt they can change the feeling even in a room of toddlers.