Filling in National Insurance gaps by claiming years as a parent of a child under 12

How do I claim the credits for national insurance for having a child under 12 when I was not working outside the home? Does it make a difference that I was living outside the UK for some of those years?

Hi,
You can make an application for Credits for Parents and carers via a CF411A form. Please find a link to the form below:
Apply for National Insurance credits if you’re a parent or carer
Living outside the UK may make a difference to the awarding of the credits for the period you lived outside the UK. You must let us know of any periods you have lived outside the UK.
We will respond to your application with a decision letter.
Thank you