Search Spotlight

Swipe down from the middle of the home screen.

You may find this free Apple manual helpful:

‎iPad User Guide on Apple Books

I have tried to swipe down to access search but I don’t get search. All I get is the lock screen!

Any other ideas?

I have now found that I need to swipe from the centre of the screen. Middle was a little confusing because that could mean top middle etc 😂👍