We consider the set of all partitions of a number n into distinct summands (the so-called strict partitions) with the uniform distribution on it and study fluctuations of a random partition near its limit shape, for large n. The use of geometrical language allows us to state the problem in terms of the limit behavior of random step functions (Young diagrams). A central limit theorem for such functions is proven. Our method essentially uses the notion of large canonical ensemble of partitions.