Greetings Gracieautumn02,
Settings isn't an application that can be deleted from your iPad: Delete built-in Apple apps from the Home Screen on your iOS 14 or later or iPadOS device or Apple Watch - Apple Support
Is your iPad managed by a school or business? If so, contact the administrator for assistance, as there may be a profile installed preventing access to features and settings.
If the iPad isn't managed, then test after restarting your iPad, as that can clear up unexpected behavior. Check out those steps here:
Restart your iPad - Apple Support
How to restart an iPad without a Home button
1. Press and hold either volume button and the top button until the power off slider appears.

2. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. If your device is frozen or unresponsive, force restart your device.
3. To turn your device back on, press and hold the top button until you see the Apple logo.
Kind regards.