Tier 2 partner extension

[Hoss]

Dear experts,

Let me explain my situation first,

I have acquired ILR September 2016 based on the 5 year Tier 2 (First one was September 2011, changed sponsor in April 2013 and again in April 2014).

My wife (married in April 2013) got her first Tier 2 in June 2013, (first entry to the UK in July 2013) and renewed with my change of sponsor in April 2014 ( valid till April 27th 2017).

We have 2 children born in UK, May 2014 and October 2015, both obviously were on Tier 2 dependent and acquired British passport in December 2016 (based on my ILR).

My question(s):
In order for my wife to apply for an extension that will allow her to get ILR next year(by July 2018 she would have 5 years) knowing that she is currently briefly outside the UK for extremely urgent commitments till April 25th.
1. Can she apply for an extension of her Tier 2 (PBS) from outside the UK?
2. If not, can she apply for TIER2(PBS) extension from the UK?
3. What would be the fastest way for her to get that extension from the UK?
4. Is it true that if she applies as a family of a settled person that this would reset the clock into ILR application (further 5 years)?

Kindest regards,