My smart keyboard is not connecting to my iPad iOS 14.6

Sounds like the physical keyboard may be faulty then.

You may need to take it in to Apple for diagnosis and replacement: link-> Apple Repair and Repair Status Check - Official Apple Support

Accessories have 1 full year of Warranty coverage. If you have Apple Care+ for the iPad is also covers the accessories.

That part is normal. When the keyboard is attached and recognized it disables the onscreen keyboard.

What happens when you try to type on the physical keyboard?

I have just purchased an ipadOS14.0 and the smart keyboard as recommended by Apple. I have tried numerous times attaching the ipad to the keyboard but the keyboard does not work. I have checked the magnets haven't got a film of plastic over them as suggested and that there is no other debris in the grooves that the ipad sits in but the smart keyboard does not work and I have to use the onscreen keyboard. At one point yesterday whilst the smart KB was attached I couldn't access the virtual keyboard either. Any idea what the problem is?

What iPad model exactly?

How are you trying to connect them exactly?

Please provide details about your issue and someone may be able to help.

Nothing! and then I find I have to remove the ipad from the keyboard to get the virtual one back on screen.